MNM Fatal 2005-22 Falling/Sliding Material August 27, 2005 (Colorado) Crushed Stone Operation Front-end Loader Operator 26 years old 4 years mining experience

Overview The victim was fatally injured when rocks rolled and struck the front-end loader he was operating. He was removing rock material that a second front-end loader had dumped from an upper bench.

Causal Factors Procedures had not been established that isolated areas where falling or sliding materials could create a hazard. The victim failed to recognize the hazard associated with performing work near falling materials.

Best Practices Adopt mining methods that ensure miners are not positioned in areas where they are exposed to hazards. Conduct a risk analysis before starting the task. Examine work areas to identify all possible hazards. Ensure that all hazards are evaluated and eliminated so the task can be safely performed.